LINCOLN – Today, Governor Pete Ricketts, chairman of the Governors’ Biofuels Coalition, and two Nebraska commodity boards issued statements on the EPA’s announcement of the final renewable fuel volumes for 2018 under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

“Thank you to President Trump and Administrator Pruitt for their recognition of the important role of ethanol in meeting the fuel needs of Nebraskans and drivers across the country,” said Governor Ricketts. “Finalizing the proposed volumes in a timely manner with minimal changes provides much-needed predictability, which helps ethanol producers plan for their businesses and spur growth in the biofuels industry. As the administration looks to future years, I urge them to maintain and grow a robust commitment to the RFS, so we can continue to develop the industry and our country’s energy security.”

“The RFS is an important floor for biofuel demand in the U.S., but producers must also continue efforts to expand domestic and international markets,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “Successfully expanding biofuel demand will generate additional opportunities for investment in new technology and new production capacity. Next-generation biofuels continue to evolve, but the new processes, productions, technology deployment, and jobs will not be realized if demand for biofuels stagnates. Biofuels make an increasingly important contribution to public health and the environment by displacing toxic compounds and harmful emissions from traditional fossil fuels.”

“The EPA’s decision to maintain the RFS blending quotas is a win for cleaner air, greater energy independence, corn farmers and rural economies,” said Dave Merrell, Chairman of the Nebraska Corn Board. “With 30 percent, or nearly 600 million bushels, of Nebraska’s corn going towards ethanol production, we applaud the EPA’s decision, which follows Congressional intent, to blend 15 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol into the fuel supply. We’ve made great strides with corn-based ethanol, and we look forward to advancing the industry. With EPA’s latest decision, we’re on track to do this.”

Nebraska ranks second in the nation for ethanol production. A list of Nebraska’s 25 ethanol plants can be found by clicking here.